BIAC seminar on int’l arbitration in Asia

Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) and Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP jointly organized a seminar on “The Rise of International Arbitration in Asia” on Saturday, 4th April 2015 at a local hotel. The keynote speakers from Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP were Francis Xavier, S.C. and V Bala while Sameer Sattar provided a Bangladesh perspective.  Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman BIAC Council moderated the function.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Toufiq Ali, BIAC Chief Executive observed that Asia is becoming the hub for global economic activity.  R&D, FDI as well as in trade, Asia is leading the world.  For investment and business in Asia, arbitration will gain in importance.  BIAC is the country’s first and only ADR service providing institution, providing not only arbitration and mediation facilities, but also generating awareness and training in these areas.  He welcomed the initiative of Rajah and Tann to emphasize a vital topic and for encouraging us to look at dispute resolution methods outside court system and prepare for, the future.

Francis Xavier, Regional Head of Dispute Practices of Rajah & Tann stressed on a sound arbitration platform to draw in FDI in his keynote speech. He specified a number of key indices that would make an arbitration platform attractive. He also touched upon the growth of and experience with investment treaty arbitration.

Another speaker V. Bala of Rajah and Tann has spoken on shaping of a successful arbitration jurisdiction, while Barrister Sameer Sattar deliberated on benefits of arbitration over litigation.

Chief Guest Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs  Anisul Huq, MP in his speech said that commercial disputes should be kept out of the purview of courts wherever possible. He thanked BIAC for providing alternative option to court  system for businesses. He narrated the initiatives undertaken by the government in promoting settlement of disputes out of court through use of ADR methods. He appreciated Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP for their endeavour to reach out to Bangladesh in promoting arbitration.

Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman BIAC Council moderated the event and thanked all who supported BIAC. He observed that BIAC was created as a result of the felt needs of businesses in creating an enabling environment in the country. He thanked Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP for joining hands with BIAC in organizing today’s event.

Distinguished Jurists including former Chief Justices Latifur Rahman,  KM Hasan, Syed J R Mudassir Hosain, Md Tofazzul Islam, Md. Fazlul Karim, Justice Shah Abu Naim Mominur Rahman, Awlad Ali, Dr. Kamal Hossain, Barrister Rafiqul Huq, Barrister Ziaur Rahman Khan, Former Attorney General A F Hasan Arif, Barrister Fida M. Kamal, Former Advisers to the Caretaker Government Mahbub Jamil and Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and business leaders including Latifur Rahman Vice President ICC-B & Chairman Transcom Group, Rokia Afzal Rahman Past President of MCCI, M Shahjahan Khan Immediate Past President of DCCI, and distinguished representatives of important corporate houses and law chambers attended the seminar and participated in deliberations.